Friendlies

Live Commentary

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South Africa will be disappointed by their performance tonight, but they were undone by a powerful side which displays solidity in all aspects of their game. Zambia came to the game with a winning mentality and leave Soccer City with a well deserved victory. Collins Mbesuma's strike will certainly be replayed over and over again.

Khune looks despondent on the side of pitch. The keeper is probably still trying to fathom how he could have saved Mbesuma's rocket.

And that's the final whistle! Zambia have won the Nelson Mandela Challenge and are celebrating their triumph with dances in front of their jubilant fans.

90' + 5'

The answer is no as Zambia surge forward and win a free kick just outside South Africa's box.

90' + 4'

Final minute! Can South Africa grab an equaliser?

90' + 3'

Two minutes remain and Zambia are running the clock down in the right corner.

90' + 2'

South Africa have come close but time is running out for the hosts.

90'

SHOT FROM MBESUMA! The striker almost scores his second but Khune collects easily.

89'

CHANCE FOR SOUTH AFRICA!! Good build up play results in a low strike from Kermit Erasmus but Mweene saves well and Mashego can't put the ball into the net following the rebound.

88'

Time is running out for South Africa as their attacks continue to be stunted by the powerful Zambian defensive force.

87'

PENALTY APPEAL!! Mbesuma launches a superb run down the left flank, beats the defender and looks to be pulled down inside the box by Khumalo. Should have been given by the referee.

85'

Mbola is booked for time wasting despite his pleas with the referee.

84'

The clock is counting down and South Africa are starting to build a bit more pressure on the Zambians.

83'

Shots are flying in from South Africa as Buckley and Modise try from long range but their shots are blocked by Zambian defenders.

81'

NUNES STRIKES!! But his free kick smashes into the wall.

80'

SubstitutionDean FurmanDelron Buckley

80'

A handball outside the box results in a free kick for South Africa. This is a real chance for Bafana Bafana.

79'

The experienced Delron Buckley is coming on for South Africa! He will replace Dean Furman.

78'

CHANCE FOR ERASMUS!! Erasmus has a free header at the near post but his effort flies over the goal. That was a great chance for South Africa.

77'

SubstitutionChisamba LunguWilliam Njovu

77'

South Africa are searching for the equaliser as they have a corner. Another sub for Zambia, William Njobvu comes for Chisamba Lungu.

76'

SHOT FROM PHALA!!. A dipping strike by the debutant causes Mweene serious problems and he has to tip the ball over the crossbar.

75'

CHANCE!! Chamanga really should have scored there. Fantastic cross from the left wing, low and powerful, but Chamanga cannot make it two for Zambia.

74'

Erasmus tries to create an attack down the left hand side but he looks undecided and stumbles on the surface.

73'

SubstitutionL. ChabanguTeko

73'

Looks like Teko Modise is coming on. Perhaps the midfielder can spark a Bafana comeback. He replaces Chabangu.

72'

South African fans are venting their frustrations and are signalling for a change.

71'

Poor cross by Phala and Kennedy Mweene collects and clears the ball.

70'

South Africa are struggling to create space and Igesund is starting to get frustrated.

69'

SubstitutionEmmanuel MayukaJames Chamanga

68'

Mashego fins himself in a bit of hustle in the Zambian box but can't find any space as he is closed down by four Zambian defenders.

67'

Zambian fans are all smiles at Soccer City.

66'

Reneilwe Lethsolonyane comes on for Dikgacoi for South Africa.

65'

Sumptuous strike from Mbesuma. Nothing Khune could do about that. Now South Africa have to actually play some football.

64'

SubstitutionKagisho DikgacoiReneilwe Letsholonyane

64'

Goal Collins Mbesuma

64'

GOAL!!!!! A magnificent strike from Collins Mbesuma. Great build up play by Zambia and Mbesuma unleashes an unstoppable drive which crashes into the top left corner of the net.

63'

Cross in from Musonda but it is cleared and Zambia start to build an attack again.

62'

This game seriously needs a spark of inspiration! Neither side can seem to build good passages of play. Could the pitch be to blame?

60'

SubstitutionChristopher KatongoJonas Sakuwaha

60'

SubstitutionIsaac ChansaMukuka Mulenga

60'

Both sides exchange attacking play, but the ball is cleared on South Africa's side of the pitch. Zambia are making more changes as Chris Katongo is replaced by Jonas Sakuwaha and Isaac Chansa is off for Mukuka Mulenga.

58'

Kermit Erasmus blasts a shot high into the stands after a good move by Bafana.

57'

GREAT CROSS BY PHALA! The youngster displays his talent with a dangerous ball which has to be cleared by Zambia.

55'

SubstitutionDavies NkausuEmmanuel Mbola

55'

SHOT FROM CHABANGU! Chabangu shoots at the near post but his effort is really disappointing.

54'

The young Mbola comes on for Nkausu as Zambia also look to ring the changes.

53'

Thusu Phala comes on for Sifiso Myeni. The player was a shock call-up for the side but has been in good form this season for AmaZulu.

52'

SubstitutionSifiso MyeniThuso Phala

52'

CHANCE! Mashego is in action again but blasts his shot far and wide.

52'

Ten of the Zambian players in their 24-man squad have played in South or are currently plying their trade in the PSL. They will certainly be used to South African conditions come the Africa Cup of Nations next year.

50'

Another long range effort from Zambia as Mbesuma shoots from outside the box but it is a rather tame effort.

49'

Herve Renard will be impressed with his side's control so far, but will want Zambia to gain a lead.

48'

SHOT FROM MASHEGO!! Mashego times his run well latching on to a long ball from the midfield. His effort is from a nigh impossible angle though and it goes wide.

47'

The second half kicks off! Collins Mbesuma is on for Jacob Mulenga. The Orlando Pirates striker has also been in good club form of late.

46'

SubstitutionJacob MulengaCollins Mbesuma

46'

SubstitutionBernard Melvin Parker Kermit Erasmus

Kermit Erasmus is coming on for Bernard Parker after what looked like an injury to the Kaizer Chiefs striker. Erasmus will certainly want to continue his good PSL form tonight and impress Gordon Igesund.

The whistle goes! The first half was not too convincing from either side. But Zambia did look more organised in possession than a rather disjointed South Africa.

Gordon Igesund has stated that he does not care about the result tonight but will certainly want his team to show a bit more fight and focus on their combination play in the next half.

45' + 2'

Two minutes of injury time is almost up and the first half has really lacked inspiration. Both sides will be hoping for an improved display in the second stanza.

45'

Nunes is caught out in possession and Zambia launch an attack, but it lacks pace and a disappointing cross is collected by Khune.

44'

Parker seems to be struggling here as he is being treated in the Zambian box. This does not look good for South Africa as the talented striker just pulled up inside the box with absolutely no contact.

42'

South Africa are building very slowly in the midfield and their game is lacking pace. Mashego is caught offside even though it looked as if he was in line with the defender.

41'

Mayuka almost creates a chance as he tries to turn past Nthethe just outside the box, but Khune is able to collect with ease.

40'

South Africa are struggling against the physicality of the Zambians as another spurt of possession is broken up by good closing down by the Chipolopolo.

36'

9 minutes till half time. Zambia are dominating possession but have not created a clear-cut chance as yet. It is only a matter of time before the Chipolopolo find their range.

35'

Khune saves a cross and his clearance sparks an attack. South Africa find themselves in the Zambian box, but can't create a chance.

33'

The Zambians are really testing out their long range shots tonight, as another comes in from around 40 yards out.

32'

SHOT FROM MULENGA! A dipping strike from the Utrecht striker which looked pretty innocuous at first but almost found the target.

31'

CHANCE!! Chabangu unleashes a powerful strike from outside the box. Mweene looked a bit worried as he sprawled to his left.

30'

South Africa building an attack here, but Parker's cross from the right wing is disappointing.

28'

And Rantie is off! Katlego Mashego comes on for the youngster. Mashego has been in good form for his club Moroka Swallows and he'll be hoping to weigh in with a goal tonight.

27'

SubstitutionTokelo Anthony RantieKatlego Mashego

26'

Rantie sprints down the right but is brought down outside the box. Looks like he may have hurt himself. Yes he has! Rantie is being stretchered off.

25'

Disappointing ball there and South Africa are on the attack!

25'

Mayuka continues to caught problems with his strength. Another free kick for Zambia around 40 yards out.

23'

South Africa look to build an attack but it is stifled as Tokelo Rantie is caught offside.

23'

We're halfway through the first stanza and Zambia are starting to take control.

22'

PROBLEM FOR KHUNE! The goalkeeper snatches at the corner and almost spills it into an inviting area.

21'

Another free kick for Zambia. Chansa gets the ball into the box with a good ball and Dean Furman has to concede the corner.

19'

Zambia's inspirational captain Christopher Katongo scored a hat trick against South Africa in 2007. He'll be hoping for a similar performance tonight!

18'

Parker makes another pacy run down the middle but once again it comes to nothing for Bafana Bafana.

16'

CLOSE! Mulenga tries to curl the ball into the top-right corner of the net and the ball just goes wide. Khune looked in trouble there and complains about his wall, or the lack of one.

15'

Free kick chance for Zambia. Mulenga looks ready to take it.

15'

Rantie makes a bursting run down the right but the Isaac Chansa tracks down the Bafana striker.

14'

After a frenetic start, Zambia are starting to take control stroking the ball around the pitch with ease.

13'

Emmaunuel Mayuka is one of Zambia's most talented players and is currently plying his trade in England with Southampton. He has scored 10 goals in 28 starts for the Chipolopolo.

11'

CHANCE FOR ZAMBIA! Isaac Chansa storms through the midfield and unleashes a left-footed strike straight at Khune though.

9'

Emmanuel Mayuka earns himself a yellow card, very early on in this game.

8'

ANOTHER CHANCE FOR SOUTH AFRICA!! Bernard Parker sends a scorching shot towards goal from around 20 yards. The in-form Kaizer Chiefs striker is looking dangerous out there.

7'

CHANCE! Sunzu rises high in the box and almost sends his header into his own goal. But the referee has blown for an infringement.

6'

Another free-kick to Bafana as Dean Furman is taken down around 30 yards out. Some strong challenges flying in here!

5'

Bad mistake by the Bafana midfielders but Jospeh Mulenga can't take advantage as he blasts an attempted shot into the stands.

4'

SAVE BY MWEENE! Nunes free kick is dealt with by the impressive Zambian keeper as he punches it out of the box.

3'

Free-kick to South Africa around 20 yards out and Ricardo Nunes steps up.

2'

Bursting run on the right by Zambia but South Africa deal with it well and launch their first attack.

1'

Here we go! The game has kicked off with Zambia on the ball.

A moment of silence in memory of Thomas Madigage precedes the kick-off.

Players are shaking hands and we're almost ready to go here!

Zambia's national anthem is first, followed by the South Africa. A few passionate supporters can be seen singing their hearts out in the stands.

Bongani Khumalo, captain of South Africa, is reading out a statement from the Nelson Mandela Children's fund, followed by Christopher Katongo, captain of Zambia.

The teams have lined up and are shaking hands with the dignitaries. This match is a celebration of Nelson Mandela and represents everything he stands for in South Africa and the African continent.

Here is another potentially interesting fact. South Africa have played Zambia 14 times in the past, more than any other country. Zimbabwe (12) is next on the list.

A very empty looking Soccer City! But hopefully the game makes up for the lack of supporters. This is a worrying sight for Bafana Bafana.

And here are the line-ups for tonight! Ten of the eleven players who started the Africa Cup of Nations final are starting tonight for Zambia.

The pitch has been a real concern for the game due to the recent Linkin Park concert held at Soccer City. It looks pretty tattered and bumpy which should not help free-flowing football.

Build up to the clash has begun! Stand by for the lineups. It looks as if only 3500 tickets have sold for the game...a bit disappointing for such an important match.

An interesting fact: Bafana Bafana and Zambia met in the first ever Nelson Mandela Challenge, though the fixture had yet to be called that. It was played on the day that Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as president of South Africa on May 10, 1994. South Africa won 2-1.

Welcome ladies and gentleman to Goal.com South Africa’s live coverage of the Nelson Mandela Challenge clash between Bafana Bafana and Zambia. The African champions are going be a stern test for the Africa Cup of Nations hosts and are not looking to hold back against their rivals. The game will be played in the pulsating atmosphere of Soccer City and kick off is in around an hour's time. My name is Daniel Eslick and I will be taking you through the action of this potential cracker of a match.